At a Glance

Romans of the fourth century tilled the soils around Saint-Emilion and began growing grapes. Today, the region ranks among the world’s foremost red wine producers. From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, Southwest France resonates with the marvelous consequences of long-ago choices. Discover the Bordeaux wineries with Roman roots, the Dordogne and the living museum town of Sarlat.

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Explore the Dordogne Valley and the prehistoric cave paintings of Rouffignac and Lascaux IV.

Examine a complete retrospective of the works of Toulouse-Lautrec at the museum dedicated to him in Albi.

Discover each region’s unique cultural, gastronomic and wine heritage in the Perigord and Bordeaux.

Suggested Reading List

View 17 books

Lonely Planet French Phrasebook

by Marie-Helene Girard, Anny Monet

This handy phrasebook focuses on pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.

The Cave Painters

by Gregory Curtis

In this tale of art, paleontology and discovery, Curtis introduces the masterworks of cave art in France and Spain, visiting Altamira, Lascaux, Les Trois-Freres, Cosquer, Chauvet and others.

Paris to the Pyrenees, A Skeptic Pilgrim Walks the Way of Saint James

by David Downie

As much a meditation on history and on what it means to be French as a traveler's account (though it has that too), David Downie's spirited book is haunted by the Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix (say that 10 times fast!) and the Gallo-Roman forbears of modern France. On ancient trails through the forests of the rugged Morvan, they continue across the celebrated wine country of Burgundy and the centuries-old Via Podiensis on the Way of Saint James.

At Home in France

by Ann Barry

Subtitled "Tales of an American and Her House Abroad," this account of life in a small village in southwestern France is shot through with Barry's irony and New York outlook on life.

The Basque History of the World

by Mark Kurlansky

Popular author Mark Kurlansky offers an engaging portrait of the seven provinces of Basque Land, discussing everything from language to culinary heritage and seafaring traditions.

Wine and War, The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France's Greatest Treasure

by Donald Kladstrup

This thrilling account of how the vinters of France saved their crops -- and their bottles -- as the Nazis approached shows that to be French is not just to fight for your country but also for your wine. Kladtsrub, who writes for Wine Spectator, and his wife Peatie, the authors focus on the activities of five winemaking families in Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne, Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.

A Traveller's History of France

by Robert Cole

This fast-moving survey covers the conquests of ancient Gaul through the heady days of revolution to modern times.

Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings

by Amy Kelly

A spirited, meticulously researched chronicle that recreates the life and world of Eleanor of Aquitaine in 12th-century Europe. A Harvard University Press Classic, first published in 1950.

The Road from the Past, Traveling through History in France

by Ina Caro

Time travel through France by way of its finest castles, chateaux, cathedrals and monasteries. This unusual travelogue is an invaluable companion for traveling in Paris, southern France, the Dordogne and the Loire Valley, combining personal observation with large doses of well-presented history.

An illustrated guide to Southwest France from Bordeaux to the Pyrenees, Dordogne and Mediterranean coast.

A World Lit Only By Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance, Portrait of an Age

by William Manchester

Organized into sections on the Renaissance, Reformation and Discovery, Manchester's popular history evokes in vivid detail the great figures and daily life of the 16th century, including Henry VIII, Magellan, Borgia, da Vinci and Martin Luther.

Adventures on the Wine Route, A Wine Buyer's Tour of France

by Kermit Lynch

A delightful and warmly anecdotal book, highly recommended for anyone touring the wine regions of France. Lynch brings the domains and appellations of French wine to full-blown life, and his portraits of the grand personalities who make the wine are priceless.

Aquitaine Map 524

by Michelin

A regional map of the Aquitaine region from Arcachon south to Pamplona, including Bordeaux and Biarritz, at a scale of 1:200,000.

Activity note: The hotel is located in a narrow historic street, therefore the motorcoach drop off point is 300 feet from the hotel entrance. Luggage in and out of the hotel is handled by porters.

Morning: Flight arrivals and group transfer from Bordeaux Mérignac Airport to the hotel in the heart of Bordeaux’s historic center.

Afternoon: We will gather in our private meeting room in the early evening where the Group Leader will greet you with a warm welcome and introduce everyone. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

DAY

3

Bordeaux, History & The Wine Trade

Bordeaux

B,L

Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche Ona

Activity note: Today's activities include walking up to two miles over the course of the day with frequent stops. There will also be public transportation use.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: There will be a lecture titled, "Introduction to Bordeaux". We will then take a field trip on foot through Bordeaux’s historic center, which will include Saint-André Cathedral, a UNESCO listed monument. Next, you will enjoy a tasting of canelé, the signature pastry of Bordeaux.

Lunch: Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch featuring local products.

Afternoon: We will take a field trip to the Museum of Aquitaine, for a history overview of Bordeaux and its region.

Dinner: On your own.

DAY

4

Bordeaux Region, The Châteaux, Villages & Vineyards of Medoc

Bordeaux

B,L,D

Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche Ona

Activity note: Today's activities include travel by motorcoach and walking up to two miles over the course of the day with frequent stops.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will depart by private motorcoach to the Medoc wine region. There will be a lecture titled, “Bordeaux Wines: History and Economic Impact on the Region.” Next, we will have a wine tasting in a Medoc region château.

Lunch: At a château.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the vineyards of the Medoc.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

DAY

5

St. Emilion

Bordeaux

B,L

Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche Ona

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will take a field trip to Saint-Emilion, to explore the underground cathedral, constructed deep into the limestone. Later, enjoy some free time in the village. We will then return to Bordeaux.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Bordeaux on your own.

Dinner: On your own.

DAY

6

The Rouffignac Cave / Arrival in Sarlat

Sarlat

B,L,D

Best Western Le Renoir

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will depart for Sarlat with an en-route discussion on the histroy of the Perigord. Later, stop and discover the Cave of Rouffignac "Cave of a Hundred Mammoths" on an electric train ride through the caverns and view more than 250 animal figure etchings that are scattered in this underground maze, made over 140 centuries ago.

Lunch: You will have tickets restaurant (meal vouchers) to purchase your meal at selected eateries.

Afternoon: Check in at the hotel in the afternoon. Discover Sarlat with your Study Leader.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

DAY

7

Dordogne Valley, Region Specialties, Medieval Bastides

Sarlat

B,L

Best Western Le Renoir

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Wednesday is market day in Sarlat. Take some leisure time to experience the open air market that occupies the town's main squares. We will then depart by coach to Vitrac, a charming village along the Dordogne River.

Lunch: Enjoy the gourmet tastes of the Perigord through a cooking demonstration at a chef-owned restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue to Domme, a typical "bastide" from the 13th century and medieval village, overlooking the Dordogne valley. There will be an en-route lecture titled, "Introduction to Bastides." We will then proceed through the Dordogne valley to La Roque Gageac, a scenic town set in the cliffs dropping to the banks of the Dordogne River. Afterward, an excursion will take us to meet a truffle hunter and discover the secrets of truffles, a product famous in the Perigord region's gastronomy. Following a tasting of the "Black Diamond," we will return to Sarlat.

Dinner: On your own.

DAY

8

Lascaux 4 / Prehistoric Art of the Perigord

Sarlat

B,L,D

Best Western Le Renoir

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will depart to see the replica of the famous prehistoric cave, Lascaux 4. There will be an en-route lecture titled, "Prehistoric Art in the Periogord." We will then continue to Les Eyzies, along the Vézère valley.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Discover the National Prehistory Museum of France, view the largest Paleolithic collection from prehistoric sites in the Vézère Valley on a self-guided visit..

Dinner: At a restaurant.

Evening: Take delight in a walking exploration of Sarlat at night, when the picturesque stone streets and buildings are illuminated.

DAY

9

Gouffre de Padirac/ Medieval St-Cere

Rocamadour

B,L,D

Best Western Hotel Beau Site Notre Dame

Activity note: The Gouffre de Padirac is a deep shaft. Elevators take the visitors to the cave and back to the surface. However, from the bottom of the abyss there is a further descent to the cave river of more than 300 feet below ground. The trip is now continued in boats and finally reaches the Salle du grand Dôme. Please note that there are many steps.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will depart by coach to St. Céré. Visit the old town and the Jean Lurçat Museum.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will take a field trip to Gouffre de Padirac. Later enjoy a wine and cheese tasting. In the late afternoon, check in at the hotel in Rocamadour.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

DAY

10

Cave Painting of Pech Merle and Rocamadour

Rocamadour

B,L

Best Western Hotel Beau Site Notre Dame

Activity note: Today's activities include travel by motorcoach. Rocamadour is built into the side of a cliff. Some stairs may be avoided by using the escalator. However, there are many steps throughout the village that are unavoidable. Most of the village is pedestrian only.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will drive to Pech Merle.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will then return to Rocamadour and discover the exceptional site. Rocamadour is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites of medieval times. The charming village sits perched on the rugged face of a cliff rising 492 feet above the Alzou Canyon. Follow the path of pilgrims on the Great Stairway or stroll the narrow, pedestrian-only streets.

Dinner: Dinner on your own

DAY

11

Albi and Toulouse-Lautrec

Toulouse

B,L,D

Best Western Les Capitouls

Activity note: Today's activities include travel by motorcoach

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Drive to Albi.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Examine the complete retrospective of Toulouse-Lautrec's works at the museum dedicated to him in Albi.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

DAY

12

Toulouse, Historic Capitol of the Languedoc & Occitania

Toulouse

B,L,D

Best Western Les Capitouls

Activity note: Today's activities include walking and standing for up to two hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy a lecture titled, "Introduction to the Languedoc Region: Occitan People, Land, and Culture." We will then take a field trip on foot to the historic center of Toulouse where we will see Saint Semin Basilica, the largest Romanesque church in Western Europe and an UNESCO World Heritage site as well as the City Hall located within the "Capitole."

Morning: Depart to Toulouse Airport for return flights. Avoid flights earlier than 8:30 a.m. if possible. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoyed your Road Scholar learning adventure and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

30 Meals

12 Breakfasts

10 Lunches

8 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

The Best Western Bordeaux Bayonne Etche-Ona is a charming boutique hotel, located in the very heart of Bordeaux. With its 18th century facades, this hotel has a unique configuration of two different locations within 40 meters away from each other, each providing you with exceptional living quarters, three conference rooms, a bar and lounge, and tramway access line B stop. In addition, the Grand Théatre is 50 meters away.

The Beau Site hotel is ideally situated at the heart of the medieval village of Rocamadour and is also located in one of the former homes of Jehan de Valon, a commander of the Knights of Jerusalem. It has been fully renovated to offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The Best Western Hotel Les Capitouls is located in the heart of the historic and business center of Toulouse. Built in an ancient private mansion, the hotel offers the charm of Toulouse architecture and modern comfort of a four star hotel.

Seen Paris, the chateaux of the Loire, Versailles and Chartres? Like good food and wine? Enjoy beautiful countryside and exciting natural features? Curious about our prehistoric ancestors and their mysterious art? Want to stretch your mind and your legs? Eager to turn back the clock and find yourself in the Middle Ages and understand more about the history of an unfamiliar region? This journey is for you!

This was a lovely trip with a great guide and congenial participants. The wine tasting was lovely and the caves were jaw dropping. We did wish that the Citè du Vin...the new wine museum in Bordeaux ...had been part of the tour...It is world class and we purposely missed a day with the group to see it...so we regret what we missed but felt the museum was a “must see.”. In addition the tour went to the museum of prehistory twice and we would have preferred to go to the see Josephine Baker’s chateau instead. Otherwise though everything we saw and did was amazing. On this tour in particular the food was fantastic even if the hotel rooms were so-so. The foods of the perigords are as wonderful as their reputation says they are!

Terrific exploration of Bordeaux, Dordogne, Perigord, prehistoric caves, village markets, historic churches and history of France. Led by a superb French woman Sandrine who is knowledgeable, highly organized, and very personable. One of the best Roadscholar programs I have taken. Wine cheese, variety of cuisines in local areas. However, this is a bad place for a diet! Enticing wines, cheese, fois gras, pastries, and the breads of many varieties, shapes, sizes, and purposes! We also had a friendly cohesive group to enjoy the experience with as well. Robert May 2017

The Southwest France: Bordeaux and Perigord program was an absolute delight.The countryside was breathtaking and the sites were very interesting. Our tour guide and our driver were our very own "A-team". I highly recommend this program

Visiting the Prehistory sites were a life time dream come true. All the rest: chateaus, wine, food, castles, churches, medieval towns and villages, great leader and good companions were bonus. The trip is a good as it's itinerary indicates.